No Death Penalty for Zolo - Prevent the another unjust death sentence.

Zolo to Face a Third Death Penalty Trial

Tue, 15 May 2007 09:21:48 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2007

CONTACT: Howard Emmer 773-425-6716

Indiana Supreme Court in a 3 to 2 decision allows the State of Indiana to seek the death penalty for the third time in the case of Zolo Agona Azania.

Indianapolis -- On Thursday, May 10, 2007 the Indiana Supreme Court reversed Boone County Superior Court Judge Steve David’s ruling that barred the state of Indiana from pursuing the death penalty in the case of Zolo Azania. Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter appealed Judge David’s ruling and that resulted in oral arguments before the Indiana Supreme Court on June 27th, 2006. Zolo, who was convicted of murder in 1982, has spent the last 26 years in Indiana prisons, most of that time on death row. Twice the state has had Zolo’s death penalty verdict overturned by the Indiana Supreme Court due to: prosecution’s suppression of evidence favorable to the defendant, ineffective assistance of counsel, and systematic exclusion of African Americans from the jury pool.

Legal Update on Zolo's Case

Wed, 01 Jun 2005 21:44:11 -0400

On May 1, 2005, Judge Steve David barred the State of Indiana from seeking the death penalty against Zolo Azania. The Court ruled that the 24+ year passage of time prevents Zolo from recieving a fair sentencing hearing. The State has filed an appeal of this ruling and all further activity in the case is stopped until the Indiana Supreme Court reviews Judge David's opinion. It will probably take several months before the Supreme Court hears this appeal.

When we have a date for the oral argument before the Court in Indianapolis we will notify you and urge you to help us fill the courtroom.

Art Show in Oak Park

Tue, 03 May 2005 23:55:12 -0400

Start: 2005-05-20 19:00

Timezone:

description:

Zolo's Art will be featured at Harrison Works Gallery in Oak Park. Join us for the opening on May 20th, when you can see the art and hear a presentation about his case.

Harrison Works is located at 17 W. Harrison Street in Oak Park. Call the Gallery (708-308-4602) for directions and hours.

State of Indiana Stopped from Seeking the Death Penalty

Tue, 03 May 2005 23:06:07 -0400

On May 1, 2005, Judge Steve David granted Zolo's motion to bar the State of Indiana from seeking the death penalty for the third time. The Court found that the 24+ year delay between the offense and the scheduled sentencing hearing in January, 2006, "has significantly compromised Defendant's Constitutional protections and as a result prejudice will result in allowing the State to proceed with the death Penalty after so much time has elapsed." The Court went on to state that "fundamental principles of fairness, due process, and speedy justice warrant this court prohibiting the State to seek the death penalty against this Defendant in this case under these circumstances."

Who is Zolo Agona Azania?

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 02:39:56 -0500

Zolo Agona Azania is one of the many Black people who await execution as a result of a racially- biased criminal justice system. Politically active at the time of his arrest, Zolo remains committed to freedom for Black people and to a just world for all. He has defended his own rights and the rights of other prisoners during these many years in prison. He has won the respect of fellow prisoners and jailers alike.

Support Justice, Support Zolo Azania!

Fri, 04 Mar 2005 00:57:25 -0500

For more than 23 years Zolo Agona Azania has been imprisoned on Indiana's death row and has been fighting for his life. Twice he has been sentenced to die and twice the death sentence has been reversed on appeal due to suppression of favorable evidence by the prosecution, ineffective assistance of counsel, and systematic exclusion of Blacks from the jury pool. Zolo did not receive a fair trial and has always maintained his total innocence of any involvement in the crime.

Hope Breathing Life: Art from Death Row

Fri, 04 Mar 2005 00:50:52 -0500

Start: 2005-03-11 19:00

Timezone:

description:

Hope Breathing Life: Art from Death Row
Featuring art by Zolo Agona Azania and Renaldo Hudson

March 11-31, 2005
Las Manos Gallery 5220 N. Clark

Zolo Azania and Renaldo Hudson are two talented artists. They are connected by the experience of sitting on death row: Zolo in Indiana, Renaldo in Illinois. During their struggle for their lives from behind bars, they have both developed into accomplished artists.
On display will be a variety of oil paintings by both artists, as well as art by other prisoners on death row.

Opening: March 11, 7pm
Join us for an informal reception to celebrate the artists and their work.